Evaluate how much space is available. Check the college or dormitory website for information on square footage, size of beds and other included furniture, and information on closet space.
Work with the college student's roommate(s) to determine the best layout for the room. Twin beds can be placed on bed risers or turned into loft beds, and in some dorms they can be stacked into bunk beds to provide more floor space. Use pencil and paper or an online dorm design service such as Design Your Dorm (designyourdorm.com) to evaluate different layouts.
Include room for a study area or a futon, cushions or other seating furnishings if possible. Students who want to socialize in their dorm room will appreciate folding chairs or floor pillows for late-night gatherings, while academically oriented students may want to use that space for their computer and bookshelf.
Assess storage needs. Consider multitasking items such as a foot locker, which can be stored under a loft bed but also pulled out for use as a coffee table or seating. If your student's bathroom is down the hall, make sure there is a convenient shelf near the door to store his shower caddy. Students with more clothing than closet space will want to take advantage of bins and boxes that can be stored under beds.
Personalize the space. Hang favorite posters or prints from the wall, and include family pictures or other objects that remind your student of home. Consider coordinating bed linens with the roommate to give the room a pulled-together look. Don't forget accessories such as desk lamps and waste baskets.